CRCST vs CSPDT: Which Sterile Processing Certification Should You Get?
Updated
Quick answer
CRCST (from HSPA) and CSPDT (from CBSPD) are the two main entry-level sterile processing certifications. Both exams are 150 questions in 3 hours, and every state with a certification law accepts both. The big differences: CRCST requires 400 hands-on hours but lets you test first; CSPDT offers other eligibility routes, including a sterile processing course. CRCST renews yearly with 12 CE credits and $50; CSPDT renews every 5 years.
Side by side
| CRCST (HSPA) | CSPDT (CBSPD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 150 (125 scored) | 150 (125 scored) |
| Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Exam fee | $140 | $135 |
| Passing score | Not published (pass/fail) | Scaled score of 70 |
| Eligibility | 400 hands-on SPD hours (can finish within 6 months after passing) | One of four routes, such as 12 months of SPD work or a passed SPD course |
| Test centers | Prometric | PSI |
| Renewal | Yearly: 12 CE credits and $50 | Every 5 years: 100 points and $125 |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose CRCST if you're working in or about to start in an SPD. It has 54,525 active holders as of the end of 2025, and the provisional route lets you test before finishing your hours.
- Choose CSPDT if you've completed a sterile processing course but can't get 400 hands-on hours, since CBSPD accepts a passed course as one route.
- Check your employer. Some hospitals name one credential in the job posting.
New York, Connecticut, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Minnesota explicitly accept either credential. See certification requirements by state.
Prepare for the CRCST
If you're going the CRCST route, start with our free CRCST practice test and the exam format guide.
FAQ
- Is CRCST or CSPDT better?
- Neither is better legally; every state law accepts both. CRCST lets you test before finishing your hours. CSPDT has more eligibility routes, including a completed course.
- Is the CSPDT easier than the CRCST?
- Both are 150 questions in 3 hours. CBSPD publishes a scaled passing score of 70; HSPA doesn't publish one. There's no official data comparing difficulty.
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